“He really did fake an injury”: Conor McGregor’s BKFC plans trigger furious fan backlash as supporters question whether the former UFC champion should fight again

Conor McGregor has his sights set on BKFC freedom (Image via IG/X)

Conor McGregor’s future inside combat sports has suddenly become a much bigger question than his next UFC fight. The former two-division champion is recovering from a serious knee injury suffered during his comeback against Max Holloway, but his latest comments have already shifted attention toward what could come next. Conor McGregor has made it clear that Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship interests him once his UFC obligations are finished. Instead of excitement, however, the idea has sparked anger, disbelief and disappointment among some fans. Many are now questioning whether another comeback is worth the physical risk, while others feel Conor McGregor should walk away and protect the legacy he built.

Conor McGregor’s latest career plans come after one of the most disappointing moments of his fighting career. His highly anticipated return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 ended after only 69 seconds when a flying switch kick attempt resulted in a torn ACL.The injury required surgery, adding another major obstacle to Conor McGregor’s attempt to return to the top of the sport. He was later seen using crutches without a leg brace, offering fans a glimpse of his recovery.

Yet Conor McGregor does not appear ready to close the door on fighting.

Instead, he has openly discussed his desire to compete in bare-knuckle boxing. His comments have placed BKFC at the center of speculation about his post-UFC career."Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is unstoppable at the moment," Conor McGregor said. "What a few months we've had. God bless it, God bless true fighting. I can't wait to do it. One more to go and the Mac Daddy is free."The comment matters because Conor McGregor still has one UFC fight remaining on his contract. Once that obligation is completed, he could have far more freedom to explore opportunities outside the promotion.A BKFC appearance would also be a major commercial attraction. Conor McGregor remains one of the most recognizable names in combat sports, even though his recent fighting career has been filled with injuries and setbacks.

The reaction from fans has been far from unanimous. Some supporters remain interested in seeing Conor McGregor compete again, but others believe another comeback could damage what remains of his legacy.One fan reacted with suspicion, writing, "So he really did fake an injury his last fight I really didn’t want to believe it but now hearing him say this"Another fan was even more dismissive of the BKFC idea, saying, "He’s tired of getting his ass beat by people wearing gloves."

Some fans focused on Conor McGregor’s physical condition and argued that his best option may be retirement."Connor should just stick to endorsements and creating content to keep us laughing 😂. As sad as it may be, I think he’s done for real. That leg can't handle UFC business anymore. If he keeps fighting, we’re not the ones losing fights… our money is. 😭😂"Another fan pointed to age and declining performances, writing, "Conny; please don’t embarrass yourself like Jelly Roll! We all get old, reflexes slow down, but god damn! You aged within the first round! Live off your reputation, you earned it! Respect"The criticism continued with another blunt prediction: "Bro will be beaten black and blue in bare knuckle"One particularly angry fan went even further, saying, "don’t even fuckin waste our time fuck off. u were a legend and role model and u fucked it all up."Those reactions show the difficult position Conor McGregor now finds himself in. His name still generates enormous attention, but his supporters are increasingly divided over whether that star power should translate into another fight.For now, Conor McGregor appears determined to continue his career once his body allows it. His recovery will be the first major test. After that, his final UFC obligation could determine whether the next chapter happens inside the Octagon or in the bare-knuckle world.Whatever happens, his BKFC ambitions have already made one thing clear. Conor McGregor is not ready to let his fighting story end quietly, even as some fans believe it should.